How Does FUE Handle Grafts with Multiple Hair Follicles?
Initial Answer
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) carefully handles grafts with multiple hair follicles by individually extracting and transplanting these units to maintain natural hair growth patterns and achieve optimal density.
Expanded Information
Understanding Follicular Units
Follicular units are naturally occurring groups of one to four hair follicles. Each unit also includes sebaceous (oil) glands, nerves, a small muscle, and occasionally fine vellus hairs. These units are crucial in achieving a natural look in hair restoration.
Extraction Process
During FUE, individual follicular units are extracted from the donor area using a micro-punch tool. This tool makes tiny circular incisions around each follicular unit, allowing the surgeon to remove them intact. The process is meticulous to ensure that each unit, whether it contains one, two, three, or four hairs, is preserved and not damaged during extraction.
Handling Multi-Follicle Grafts
Grafts with multiple hair follicles require special attention to ensure their integrity and viability. Here’s how FUE handles these grafts:
- Precision Extraction: The surgeon uses precise techniques to extract multi-follicle grafts without transecting (cutting) the follicles, which can compromise their survival.
- Storage: Once extracted, grafts are immediately placed in a holding solution that maintains their hydration and viability until transplantation. Multi-follicle grafts are handled carefully to avoid any damage.
- Sorting and Preparation: Grafts are sorted based on the number of hair follicles they contain. This allows the surgeon to plan the transplantation process strategically, placing single hair follicle grafts in areas requiring finer detail, such as the hairline, and multi-follicle grafts in areas needing more density.
Transplantation Process
During the transplantation phase, the surgeon creates recipient sites in the balding or thinning areas of the scalp. These sites are made with precise angles and directions to mimic natural hair growth patterns. Multi-follicle grafts are then carefully implanted into these sites, ensuring that they are positioned to blend seamlessly with the surrounding hair.
- Natural Appearance: Multi-follicle grafts contribute to a fuller, denser appearance. When placed correctly, they help achieve a natural look by replicating the natural grouping of hairs.
- Density and Coverage: The use of grafts with multiple hair follicles allows for better coverage and density, particularly in larger balding areas, providing a more satisfying overall result.
Post-Operative Care
Proper post-operative care is essential to ensure the survival and growth of the transplanted grafts. Patients are advised on how to care for their scalp and avoid activities that might dislodge the grafts. Following the surgeon’s instructions closely can significantly impact the success of the procedure.
Conclusion
FUE handles grafts with multiple hair follicles by employing meticulous extraction and transplantation techniques that preserve the integrity and viability of each follicular unit. This approach ensures natural-looking results with optimal density and coverage.
For more information on hair restoration techniques, you can explore our detailed articles on FUE Surgery and FUT Surgery.
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